The Messenger

This game caused me to scratch my head on a number of occasions.

Who is the top team in the 16th Region as of now? Boyd County?

I notice Greenup Co. is scoring a ton of points but giving up a lot of points as well.

The Tomcats are off to a slow start (1-7) but their schedule has been challenging to this point. Who has seen them play? What can you tell us without being negative. Thanks!

Has a new coach been named yet?

A lot depends on the specifics of the contract. Regardless, the KHSAA will receives a very (VERY) large sum of money for signing with Spalding. The money side of the contract is usually paid in annual stipends. The money will be paid annually for the length of the contract. (Usually 3-5 years) Also ball companies typically supply cloth items for state tournaments. (T-Shirts, polos, coaching shirts, etc.)

Spalding also has a special program where state associations get a rebate when "Spalding Equipment" is purchased through their program.

If the details of this contract were known, people would be floored by how much the KHSAA makes off this contract.

Berea is a very difficult job. Being in the same District as Madison Central and Southern, it will always be tough to win a District title.

The only way Berea becomes a player in the district is if a coach can come in and install a special program (Ex: Princeton Offense, etc) or encourage some of the athletes from Southern to attend Berea.

Best of luck to Coach Groves. Russell is a very difficult job right now. It is be a huge challenge.

Does anybody else find it surprising that Russell administration went with another coach with no head coaching experience?

I find the Russell administration in a very difficult situation. At this time last year, they made the decision to go in a different direction with their basketball program. After a short interview process, they found who they thought was going to be the answer to their problems.

Now a year later they are again looking for a new coach. My question is "Does Russell look for another young coach or go with a veteran coach?"

This will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Surprised with the Russell opening. Last Spring they moved very quickly in filling their opening. Is there somebody on their radar?

HoopJunkie,

I agree. There is no way he was let go. The Newspaper article made it sound like there are other things in life for him.

Woodford will have a couple solid players back next year but my understanding is the talent is on the decline. Maybe somebody in the know can enlighten us on that issue.

Regardless I have heard good things about him as a person and coach.

I was referring to the 11th and 12th Regions. Thanks in advance!

I'm not looking to start rumors or to start a witch hunt. I'm just wondering if any head coaches from central Kentucky are stepping away from the game. I was wondering if any jobs will be open in the central part of the state.

Is Henderson Co. football taking a step back with their program? What is everybody's thoughts?

I meant to say "Coach Howell" had nothing to do with the decision.

I have to admit I am somewhat surprised with the hire. Not that they went with a younger coach because a lot of schools are going with younger coaches. But I'm surprised with the fact it was an assistant.

Administration wants to go in a different direction but they hire somebody from the same staff. That doesn't make sense! It is definitely not a knock on Coach Howard because he had nothing to do with the decision other than apply.

After this decision, it makes you wonder if Ashland's problems don't start at the top.

The Tates Creek job will be a tough job next year. They graduate their main players off an average squad. With the 11th Region being so good right now, it will be a rebuilding job to say the least.

X's and O's,

It makes you wonder if there is a plan in place to find a quality replacement.

With the way this hiring has been handled, you have to wonder if Ashland problems might be bigger than coaching.

I'm really shocked that Ashland has not made a decision on their head coaching position. Grant, it is an important decision and it shouldn't be made in haste but I have to believe there are good candidates out there.

I'm interested in seeing how this all plays out! I would like to see Ashland get back on track!

I would think the Ashland faithful fans are starting to get a little concerned with the hiring process. If some of the talk on here is true, some good coaches have not expressed interest in the job. I am sure there are other good coaches out there interested. My question is will some of those good coaches shy away from the job because they are down the list?

I'm a little surprised there hasn't been a decision made on hiring a new head coach. One would have to believe there are a number of good coaches interested in this position. I would be surprised if a young coach is selected for this position. I just see Ashland as a job that would go with a coach that has some head coaching experience! Of course I'm not in the loop so I don't know.

I have no inside knowledge but I would anticipate an announcement by the end of the week. A lot of organization needs to be done in the Spring so I can't see them wasting a lot of time.

Would that veteran coach be ... Roger Zornes? Only veteran 16th coach I can think of.

Well, I think the Ashland faithful would be impressed with that resume! Obviously that would be a good het for Ashland.

Smith would be a very interesting hire if it would happen? I know the big knock on Biggs was his lack of Regionals titles. Would the Ashland faithful be happy with this hire?

I believe Biggs was in the Regional finals 4 times with no titles. How many Regional titles does Smith have? I believe he was in the regional finals once at Sheldon Clark. Any regional titles before his time at Clark?

Any names associated with this job yet? I know it just opened up on Monday but I was wondering if Ashland was going to do a quick hire like Russell HS. By what I've been told Russell did well with their hire.